Federal Permits

U.S. BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT (FORMER FORT ORD)

California Coastal National Monument (CCNM)

• Contact: Zachary Ormsby, Central Coast Field Manager
• Phone: 831-582-2200 (main)
• Email: zormsby@blm.gov
• CCNM Website: https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/california/california-coastal
• Address: USDI Bureau of Land Management, Central Coast Field Office, 940 2nd Avenue, Marina, CA 93933

Fort Ord National Monument (FONM)

• Contact: Sarah Spragg, Park Ranger
• Phone: 831-582-2200 (main) or 831-582-2243 DD
• Email: schmielewski@blm.gov
• CCNM Website: https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/california/fort-ord-national-monument
• Address: USDI Bureau of Land Management, Central Coast Field Office, 940 2nd Avenue, Marina, CA 93933

U.S. FOREST SERVICE

From coastal Big Sur’s Los Padres National Forest to Pfeiffer Beach, there are U.S. Forest Service lands with specific restrictions on film opportunities.

For permits on U.S. Forest Service properties (i.e. Pfeiffer Beach, Sand Dollar Beach, etc.), visit this U.S. Forest Service web page for information on commercial film and photography on Forest Service public lands. The Monterey Ranger District allows regular use of Pfeiffer Beach for film and photo shoots between September 15 and March 15.  Filming or photography between March 15 and September 15 must be limited to 8 people or less, handheld equipment only, and no staging. Be aware that motorhomes are not allowed on the road accessing Pfeiffer Beach and the road often closes after rain events, which prevents access to the beach. Permits will not be issued for weekends or holidays at any location on the Los Padres NF.

To apply for a film or photography permit, complete the film request document, a certificate of insurance, and endorsement well ahead as it could take 4 weeks to issue a film permit.  Be as specific as possible (what, where, when, people and equipment, vehicles, parking, etc.) in your request and include a good map to shorten the time it takes to evaluate and process the proposal.

• Special Use Contact (as of 3/1/26):  SM.FS.LPF_Permits@usda.gov
• Contact: Hannah Whitlock
• Phone: 209-916-5953
• Email: Hannah.Whitlock@usda.gov
• Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/lospadres/permits/

U.S. NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

Pinnacles National Park

• Contact: Rich Moorer, Interpretation and Visitor Services, West Visitors Center
• Phone: 831-389-4486, ext. 4241, or 831-207-0874 cell
• Email: Richard_Moorer@nps.gov
• Address: Pinnacles National Park, 5000 East Entrance Road, Paicines, CA  95043-9770